Farquhar: 23-30 Nov 2011

Thirty six GTs, six Napoleons, monster Bluefin Trevally, Bones up to 10lbs, two Bumpies and some enormous Bohar’s, made for a truly outstanding final week of 2011.

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Farquhar Lodge, Seychelles

Group Size:

8-10 Anglers

Trip Duration:

6 Days / 7 Nights

Peak Season:

Oct-Dec | Feb-Apr

Overview

Farquhar Atoll is the most southerly atoll in the Seychelles chain of islands lying just over 700km to the southwest of the main island Mahe. This remote atoll has a total area, including the large lagoon, of 170.5 km² which is 18 km north to south and 9 km east to west. The total island land mass is 7.5 km² with a serviced concrete landing strip situated on the most northerly island. The main group of islands form a long curve which describes the eastern side of the atoll. Largest of these are Isle du Nord and Ile du Sud, with the smaller Manaha gaps and islands between them. Further south is Goelette and to the open western side of the atoll lies the small group known as Trois Îles. The large ear-shaped lagoon provides easy access to the countless flats, channels and surf zones which make Farquhar such a diverse fishery. Farquhar has a small population of local Seychellois, whose main roles include running a small line-fish operation as well as acting as a skeleton crew which manage the island and service the airstrip

Guests are expected to arrive in Mahe on the Friday before or early on the Saturday morning of the day of the charter flight to Farquhar. The group will meet an hour before the scheduled departure time at the domestic terminal (next to the international terminal). The flight from Mahe to Farquhar is one hour forty five minutes onboard a private chartered Beechcraft 1900. Guests are then transferred in true island style via tractor and trailer on a short fifteen minute ride to the lodge, which will be their home and base for the week’s fishing.

Accommodation on Farquhar takes the form of a basic but comfortable guesthouse which caters for eight to ten anglers at one time. Everyone is accommodated in the main lodge which is fully air-conditioned and has four twin en-suite bedrooms and a central lounge. The lodge is equipped with 24 hour 220 volt electricity, air-conditioning and has a constant supply of hot water. There is full housekeeping as well as a daily laundry service available.  An undercover dining area on the waters edge with a magnificent view forms an idyllic backdrop for both breakfast and dinner. All meals are served around the outside dining area with the chef preparing a mix of Creole and international food. All mineral water and soft drinks are included in the price which has been quoted. The lodge has plenty of local beer for sale. Spirits and wine may be pre ordered to insure you have your preferred order. Alternatively you may bring your own bottle of preferred spirits and wine.

The group will spend the next six days fishing and exploring the islands, flats and channels of Farquhar Atoll. On the seventh morning the group will have plenty of time to pack their gear and prepare to fly back to Mahe. The flight from Farquhar to Mahe will leave at midday and on arrival guests can connect to their international flights or overnight in Mahe.

The Fishing

The fishing at Farquhar has over the past few years become synonymous with the term ‘fly fishing paradise and has provided all those fortunate enough to visit her shores the opportunity to fish some of the finest and most productive flats the Indian Ocean has to offer. These flats consist of hard white sand, turtle grass and broken coral which make for comfortable wading.

Anglers can wade and sight fish to an impressive variety of species which include Bonefish, various Trevally species including the ferocious trophy sized Giant Trevally, the finicky Indo-Pacific Permit, Triggerfish, Barracuda Bumphead Parrotfish and Milkfish. Farquhar is certainly best known for the sheer diversity of species it offers anglers fortunate enough to visit her shores, so if stalking Bonefish in skinny water, throwing crab flies at the colourful and charismatic tailing Triggerfish or holding your nerve as a large GT charges in at your fly interests you ….well then Farquhar is certainly the venue for you. 

Deep water too begins very close to shore and spending some time tussling with some of the monsters which prowl the deep blue is certainly a very exciting and rewarding bonus. Here the most common species encountered are Giant Trevally, Barracuda, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper, Bohar Snapper and Sailfish….all of which are guaranteed to show your backing the light of day!

Whether it’s on the flats or offshore, the FlyCastaway guides will help you identify your desired target species, the areas which they frequent and explain the correct techniques with which to catch them… they will without question go the extra mile for your fish of a lifetime.

The first part of the season traditionally runs from early November to mid December and the second part from late February to mid April, with a break over the festive season. These are the peak periods as January is one of the rainiest months in the Seychelles. From May to October the strong south-eastern monsoon winds blow incessantly.  These winds bring cold water onto the flats and make fly fishing an unpleasant and unproductive experience. We stick to the fore mentioned dates to ensure all guests have an unforgettable fishing experience.

Guests will have the use of four new 17.3 ft Angler skiffs, each of which carries a single 90 HP 2-Stroke Yamaha engine. These boats have been specifically designed and fitted to fish both the flats and offshore waters of the Seychelles in comfort and safety. These Angler boats have a draft of approximately 9 inches allowing anglers to access some extremely shallow areas of the atoll; however the main attraction still lies in wading the flats. These boats are also sure to make the excellent offshore fishing far more enjoyable and rewarding as all of them are equipped with a fish finder. Other added features include fly rod storage fittings, bimini tops and cushioned seats. Each boat is skippered by one of the four world class professional FlyCastaway guides, all of whom are qualified skippers and speak English.

Details

Cost:
2011/12 Season: US$7500 per person sharing excluding Mahe

Single supplement:
Special Request

Max Pax:
8 - 10 anglers (2 anglers to 1 guide)

Inclusions:
·         Return flight Mahe-Farquhar-Mahe
·         7 nights at the lodge
·         Shared accommodation
·         All meals
·         Soft drinks & Mineral Water
·         Landing fees
·         6 days guided fishing

Exclusions:
·         International flights
·         Overnight accommodation on Mahe
·         Ground Transfers on Mahe
·         Tackle & Flies
·         Gratuities
·         Alcohol
·         Mandatory emergency medical evacuation policy (FlyCastaway recommends Global Rescue)
·         Travel Insurance
·         Personal Expenses 

Location:
·         450 nautical miles S of Mahe

Getting there:
Guests are requested to fly into Mahe, Seychelles at least 24 hours before the chartered Beechcraft 1900 takes off for the two-hour flight to Farquhar.

Target Species:
Bonefish, Giant Trevally, Indo-Pacific Permit, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, Milkfish, Barracuda, Bluefin Trevally, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo etc

Fishing Season:
Late October until mid December and again from mid Feb until mid April.

Weather:
Temperatures range between 30° - 35°C with high humidity.

Tender boats:
4 x 17 ft Anglers each carrying 1 x 90HP Yamaha engine

Pre Trip

Time Difference:
GMT +4
Flight time from UK: 11 hours to Mahe

Visa Requirements:
UK, US, EU, USSR and RSA passport holders do not require a visa for entering into the Seychelles for vacation purposes.

Medical & Health Requirements:
Mandatory emergency medical evacuation insurance
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if travelling from a Yellow Fever infected area.

Currency:
The currency of Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). US Dollar or Euro are however widely accepted and are the preferred currency for gratuities and expenditure on Farquhar.

Language:
Creole, English and French are spoken widely. All FlyCastaway guides speak English.

Satellite Phone & Communications:
There is no cell phone reception on Farquhar. The FlyCastaway Guides are however equipped with a satellite phone which can be used by guests at an additional cost of $3 per minute.

Tackle & Gear:
Single-handed 9ft #9wt & 12wt saltwater outfits with matching tropical floating lines. The guesthouse at Farquhar will have 8 x 12 weight G-Loomis Crosscurrent Fly Rods and Shilton SL7 Reels and 8 x 9 weight G-Loomis Crosscurrent Fly Rods and Shilton SL6 Reels which can be rented on a weekly basis. A comprehensive tackle and gear list along with an order form (should you wish to purchase your tackle through us) is issued after your booking has been confirmed. The guides will also carry limited stock of suitable flies and other terminal tackle, should you run out.